The Young and the Restless recap for April 3: Victor and Michael put their theories together about Dumas

At Crimson Lights, Jack called Traci to see how she was doing. Traci was frantic. She said she needed to step up her plan to find out the truth about Alan. The author feared if she went radio-silent with Alan, then he'd disappear. Traci said she didn't want to lose Alan. Jack was afraid that Alan was truly Martin and that Traci could be in danger.

Traci lamented to Jack that she could not trust her head or her heart. Jack demanded that Traci agree not to meet Alan alone. He said he needed to be in the loop so he could protect her. A tearful Traci said, "I thought he was the one. I thought he loved me."

Jack told Traci that he loved her and that the whole family did. Traci promised to call Jack once she heard from Alan.

Kyle ran into Jack at the coffee shop. Kyle explained that one of the Jabot employees, Mathison, has something going on that is concerning. Jack didn't find it too concerning that Mathison was asking Kyle questions about a work project. Kyle said Mathison got skittish when he quipped to him that maybe he was looking to take his job.

Kyle suspected Mathison because he was asking the type of questions Victor told Kyle to ask when he was using him to get information on the sunscreen. Jack was wondering if this was all Kyle's guilt, but Kyle dismissed that. Kyle didn't drop his suspicions about Victor; he was certain that Victor wanted to get even.

Kyle theorized that Victor could have multiple moles at Jabot. He suggested they give Mathison a severance package and have security show him the door. Jack revealed he had a plan of his own.

Jack said that he and Kyle could buy Victor's spy's loyalty. Kyle said he liked the idea even though it wouldn't come cheap. Jack said it would be worth the money if it knocked Victor's smile off his face.

Jack confided in Kyle that there may be a real problem with Traci, referring to Alan. Kyle said he didn't want anyone taking advantage of his aunt Traci. Jack said neither did he.

Diane returned to the Genoa City Athletic Club to retrieve a tablet she left behind. She spied Traci and joined her at a table. Diane wondered if Traci was on her phone shopping for wedding gowns.

Unaware of Traci's concerns about Alan, Diane continued her casual conversation with Traci about her wedding. Traci deflected by saying she couldn't make any final decisions. Diane said she hoped she and Traci could be close someday. The architect pressed her sister-in-law by saying she felt something was amiss. Diane asked Traci if she was getting cold feet.

Diane gently noted that Traci and Alan hadn't known each other that long. She says it's not her place, but Diane and Jack care about her happiness. "I can assure you," Traci said. "Alan has made me very happy."

Diane pointed out to Traci that she has supported her and Jack. She'd like to return the favor and support Traci at this time. Before Traci could open up about what was truly going on, her phone rang. Traci looked down at it and saw that the incoming call was from Alan.

Traci regretted to Diane that she had to take Alan's call. Traci noted that Alan called her his "wildflower," which gave her hope that Alan truly was Alan. She asked him where he was and when he was coming home. "You have no idea how much I want to look into your eyes and see the man I want to marry," Traci told Alan.

Traci returned to her table with Diane. Diane could tell something was up. She wanted to know what was going on with Traci and the man she was going to marry.

At the Neil Winters Jazz Lounge, Nikki met with a concerned Lauren. The department store heiress said she needed Nikki to betray Victor. A stunned Nikki wanted to know why. Lauren clarified her position — she wanted Nikki to betray Victor's confidence. Lauren said she was there to protect Michael. "My husband's loyalty to your husband often trumps my wish that he would be completely open with me," Lauren noted.

Lauren said Michael is in harm's way because of Victor. Nikki asked for information. Lauren said Michael's been tense in light of recent meetings with Victor. Nikki suspected this was over Jack, but she added that Victor could be stubborn. Lauren shared that yes, Michael said this is about Jack and Jabot, but he wouldn't say any more.

Lauren knew Victor was upset with Jack because Jack went to great lengths to help Nikki with her sobriety. Lauren said that Victor doesn't take no for an answer. Lauren feared that this time, Michael might not survive if he were to fall victim to Victor's manipulations.

Nikki began to blame herself for the renewed anger Victor had for Jack. If she hadn't lost her sobriety, Jack wouldn't have intervened, and Victor would not have gotten mad. Lauren said that's not how addiction works.

Meanwhile, Michael met with Victor at the ranch. The lawyer told the mogul that he was looking well and that Lauren was concerned about him. Victor thanked Lauren for her concern.

Victor reminded Michael that he has never responded well to threats. The mogul demanded that Michael get results. "Who the hell is Kyle Abbott?" Victor barked rhetorically.

Michael pointed out to Victor that Damian is Nate Hasting's half-brother. Victor recalled Nate Sr. Victor couldn't figure out why Dumas would reach out to "Billy Boy Abbott." The mogul wondered why Dumas, who's stayed so hidden, is now being so visible. "What game is he playing?" Victor wondered.

Victor hinted at a connection between Tucker McCall and Aristotle Dumas. Michael asked if Victor was suggesting that Tucker and Aristotle could be the same man.

Michael pointed out that a connection between Tucker and Kyle is Ashley, Kyle's sister. He also noted that Tucker has expressed interest in Winters. And Devon is his son, Victor noted. Michael added that Devon has rejected his father's love. The lawyer made another connection between Tucker and Audra. He added that Tucker has been known to drop off the grid for a while. Michael suggested Tucker isn't truly taking spiritual treks, but instead, he's pulling power plays as Aristotle Dumas.

"What if he's come back?" Michael theorized about Tucker. Victor ordered Michael to get some additional info on Aristotle, Tucker, and Glissade, asking if he was okay with that. Michael wanted to know why Victor would even ask, but he wished Victor would let go of his vendetta with Jack before it killed either of them. Victor leaned in and made his stance clear — he would do anything to protect his family.

Just as Michael said to Victor, "You can trust me," Nikki entered. Victor took a phone call. Nikki told Michael she just had a long talk with Lauren. "My wife knows me well," Michael deflected. He added he couldn't talk to Nikki about certain things. Nikki wanted to know why Michael continued to work with Victor. "If I quit, who will protect your husband?" Michael said.

"I see you got the blood stains off your couch," Michael remarked. He said he plans on sticking around. He's not going anywhere. Later, Nikki shared with Victor that Lauren had concerns. Victor said he considered Michael as family and would never hurt him.

Back at the Neil Winters Jazz Lounge, Michael and Lauren reconnected. Lauren told Michael she sensed he was burdened. Michael let Lauren know that Nikki had expressed Lauren's concerns. "Would it help if I promised you there would be no more Peruvian prison stays in the future?" Michael quipped to his wife. Lauren said she wasn't laughing. She wanted Michael to pull back if Victor asked too much.

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